Things have been stressful lately. The little things. Worrying about graduation and my future employment (or lack thereof). Trying to finish off my super late senior project. Washing dishes. Eating regularly. Trying to save abandoned kittens. Worrying over whether my office-mate’s boyfriend having swine flu means I should panic every time she sneezes.

It’s not so much that any one thing is particularly difficult, it’s just that between classes and work I’m normally really tired and have very little free time during which I’m not sleeping.

Enter, The Apples in Stereo. They make my life happier. To me they sound like The Beatles meet modern indie pop. I like it so much. “The Discovery of a World Inside the Moone [sic]” has particularly caught my fancy. It’s just such a charming mix of musical styles and lyrics. So much fun. There are also about 18 different little things that catch my attention and make me really happy:

1. A brass section: Brass makes everything better. Much like strings and pianos, brass just lends a little extra something that makes me instantly fall in love. Honestly, I can’t think of one song that makes use of a brass section that I don’t like.
2. Backup vocals: they are done perfectly. Subtle in places, outrageous in others, the backup vocals add some more depth to their already complex songs. I don’t know how to describe it really. It’s almost like how one line is 1D, two is 2D, and if you position that third line right, three make 3D. For each extra voice, an extra dimension is added to the song.
3. Clapping: They do it a lot. I love songs with clapping. I collect them, even.
4. That old-timey feel: seriously, these songs make me feel as if i should be wearing go-go boots or something. But it feels old in the best way possible. Giving that vintage feel to freshly written music I find impressive. Also impressive is the fact that they make use of all sorts of technologies in their music making and recording process that obviously don’t place in the 1960’s or 1970’s, but they still feel at home.
5. Cow-bells, tambourine, and those shaky maraca-like things: there is such a wide array of simple instruments that are often forgot about. in the rush for the biggest and best, some good ole cowbell is often forgotten. Not by these guys.
6. Midi-bass lines: More people need to implement the midi-bass line, me thinks. It kicks the shit out of most other bass lines I’ve ever heard. Perhaps I’ll start collecting midi-bass Lines. I think that would be a short list.

You get the point.

What to take away?

The Apples in Stereo pack all sorts of awesome into their songs. They are filled to capacity without sounding over crowded. They’re damn good. They do a good job of destressifying (a very technical word) without over-hyping. They just subliminally encourage you to get a subtle groove on. This groove may build up over time.

What to Expect?

Vintage sounding indie-pop tracks, most of which are perfect for a good morning pump-up session.

What to Pair it With?

Lithuanian Sparkling Wine. Bubbly, sweet, delicious, and a little bit off the beaten path.

Favorite Song?

“Go” by far. It’s totally my “I hate the morning, and need something to make me stop being a terrible grump” song. It usually works.